Nigeria’s Super Eagles claimed a 2-1 win over Ghana on Wednesday at the Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford, securing a place in the Unity Cup final against Jamaica.
Cyriel Dessers gave Nigeria an early lead in the 14th minute, converting a well-controlled chest-down into a clinical right-footed strike past Ghana goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim.
It marked Dessers’ second goal against the Black Stars in as many friendlies this year.
Nigeria extended their advantage just five minutes later when Ghana’s Razak Simpson inadvertently headed a free kick into his own net, giving the Super Eagles a 2–0 cushion.
Ghana struggled to gain momentum in the first half, with Nigeria maintaining control.
The game grew more physical as it progressed, with yellow cards shown to Kamaradini Mamudu and Salis Abdul Samed for Ghana, and Sodiq Ismail and Igoh Ogbu for Nigeria.
Brandon Thomas-Asante pulled a goal back for Ghana in the 70th minute, finishing off a low cross to give the Black Stars hope.
Kelechi Iheanacho appeared to restore Nigeria’s two-goal lead shortly after, but his goal was disallowed for offside.
Despite Ghana’s late pressure, including a close-range effort from Abu Francis in the 87th minute, Nigeria held on, thanks in part to a decisive save from Stanley Nwabali.
